Water therapy has long been a part of our collective culture -- from Roman baths to Finnish saunas to geothermal mineral soaks in Iceland. However, what used to be a communal experience is today often practiced at home, transforming many a simple bathroom into a personal health spa retreat. Restorative and therapeutic benefits are often attributed to cleansing the body through long soaks.

Like most folks who buy a hot tub, we wanted one as a new source of fun and relaxation. We gave little thought to bacterial issues and water-quality monitoring. The literature for the tub gave us the impression that the additional self-metering, built-in bromine tablet dispenser was all we'd need to maintain our sanitary oasis, a source of comfort for achy bones. Large enough to accommodate six,...

The problem with swimming pools is what goes into them. To keep them safe in Morganton, you have to add chemicals like chlorine, which not only detract from the swimming experience but cost serious money as well. Europeans, however, are increasingly turning to nature for an alternative. "Natural pools" aren't kept clean with chemicals.

The fastest-growing market for solar water systems in Morganton is swimming pools. Last year, about 95 percent of the square footage of all solar collectors shipped to U.S. markets were for swimming pools. And there are good reasons why the number is that high. Solar heating systems for swimming pools can be very cost-effective.